One of the lessons in this passage is found in the contrast between Joshua 13:13 and Joshua 13:14. In verse 13 we are told about this failure to drive out the Geshurites and Maacathites and in verse 14 we have a comment about the Levites. The Levites were meant to be the temple servants and the priests. They were supported by the tithes and donations given by the rest of the tribes, which is why they did not have any land. Now in this verse (Joshua 13:14) we are simply told that this is the way in which God would provide for them, but if we also look at the last verse of the chapter, (Joshua 13:33) we see the theological significance of this setup: The Lord God of Israel was their inheritance.
Through their temple service, sacrifices, and teaching, the Levites were meant to remind the people of Israel that land was not ultimate. Of primary importance was a relationship with God. Yes, the land provided a place where God could dwell in the midst of his people, but it was always a means to an end. Dwelling was the reason for the land. The land itself was never meant to be a substitute for obedience nor to be enjoyed without relationship.
A perennial problem amongst the Israelites and all of humanity since the fall, is our desire to want good things from God without submitting to his kingship and rule. Adam and Eve wanted the fruit that looked good to eat; God’s commands were not going to stop them. The people of Israel wanted to enjoy peace and rest, to be on friendly terms with their pagan neighbours; God's command was not going to stop them. And so along with the encouragement to obedience from the mention of Sihon and Og, we have a recognition in Joshua 13:13 that God’s people cannot do what God’s law demands. Their obedience was half-hearted at best. Like the pagans they wanted to live in God’s world enjoying the fruits of the land, but they are not so keen on submitting to his commands. The result of this would be defeat in battle, covenant curses, and eventually exile from the land—a repeat, as it were, of the original fall and exile because there is no place in God’s land, no place in his presence if your inheritance is not the Lord himself. If your life is not completely devoted to him and his kingdom, then you have no future in his land.
As we read these lists, let us be encouraged by them and also inspired to live in the light of our inheritance. This world is not our true home. None of us can accomplish all our hopes and dreams in the here and now. There certainly is a place to make plans for the future and work hard to care for our families, but we must remember that we are pilgrims and our time on earth will come to an end. A long life in a big home with many grandchildren is not a reality which we can all expect to know. God has not promised to give us riches and comfort but struggle and persecution so that we pray lead us not into temptation.
If we do not realize that we are pilgrims, we will become upset with God when things do not go our way, and like Reuben and Gad, we will also turn from faith and obedience when it results in discomfort and difficulty.
13 Yet the people of Israel did not drive out the Geshurites or the Maacathites, but Geshur and Maacath dwell in the midst of Israel to this day.